Industrial Fire Precaution Level Raised

Effective Friday at 12:01 a.m., the Rogue River- Siskiyou National Forest will enter Industrial Fire Precaution Level Two. This change will apply to all ranger districts across the forest, including High Cascades, Siskiyou Mountains, Wild Rivers, Gold Beach and Powers.

“We are experiencing a period of hot, dry weather that has caused the grasses to cure out and the heavier woody fuels to dry,” said Fire Staff Officer Kevin Donham in a press release. “As the fire danger continues to climb, it is important for industrial equipment operators and the recreating public to be vigilant about the potential for wild land fires and follow any restrictions that are in place.”

Industrial Fire Precaution Level Two, also known as "partial hoot-owl", prohibits blasting, welding, cable yarding or the use of power saws except at loading sites, from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. The restrictions apply to all contractors and permit holders, including those with permits to cut personal-use firewood. For current information on IFPL levels, visit the Medford Interagency Communications Center website at http://ormic.org/fire_danger.shtml